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Map

Location

Sydney Airport is located 9km (6 miles) south of central Sydney.

Airport code

SYD

Airport news

The expansion of Terminal 2 is ongoing, with improvements to the food court area taking place during 2013. A 20-year master plan, released in 2013, includes plans to reorganise terminal operations into two integrated complexes, as well as improvements to the airport road network and additional car parking facilities.

Transfer between terminals

There are various options when travelling between Terminals 1 and 2. The 'T-Bus' shuttle service (tel: (02) 9669 1899; www.carbridge.com.au) costs A$5.50; taxi transfers cost A$8-12; while the Airport Link train (tel: (02) 8337 8417; www.airportlink.com.au) takes two minutes at a cost of A$5. Qantas and Virgin Australia offer their own transfer options for certain passengers. Terminal 3 is adjacent to Terminal 2.

Driving directions

Most routes to Sydney Airport are well signposted; these signs indicate the most direct route to the airport. From central Sydney, follow Freeway 1/Southern Cross Drive and turn off onto General Holmes Drive/Airport Drive – this road leads to the airport site. Travellers should visit the airport's website for detailed driving directions from other areas of Sydney.

Car rental

Car hire companies represented at Sydney Airport include: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Redspot and Thrifty. Desks for these operators are located on the arrivals levels of Terminals 1 and 2.

Public transport and taxis

Bus: Sydney Buses (tel: 131 500; www.sydneybuses.info) operates bus 400 from Burwood to Bondi Junction, calling at Terminals 1 and 3. The journey time to central Sydney is about 30 minutes and the fare A$12.30). The bus stops are located on the arrivals levels of these terminals.Shuttle: Many shuttle bus companies provide a service between Sydney Airport and most city suburbs; these need to be booked in advance (see the airport website for full details). Many hotels provide a payable transfer service for their guests.Taxi: Each terminal has its own taxi rank. Companies serving the airport include: Taxis Combined Services (tel: 133 300; www.taxiscombined.com.au), Silver Service Fleet (tel: 133 100; www.silverservice.com.au), Legion Cabs (tel: 131 271; www.legioncabs.com.au), Premier Cabs (tel: 131 017; www.premiercabs.com.au) and St George Cabs (tel: 132 166; www.stgeorgecabs.com.au). The journey time to the city centre is around 30 minutes, and the return fares start at around A$50.Rail: The Airport Link (tel: (02) 8337 8417; www.airportlink.com.au) rail service connects the three terminals to Sydney Central Station (journey time: 29 minutes; fare: A$15.90) and city suburbs. Terminal 1 has its own railway station, while Terminals 2 and 3 share a station.

Car parking

Sydney Airport has three car parks. The International Car Park is located opposite Terminal 1 and offers short- and long-term rates. The multistorey Domestic At Terminal Car Park, which is directly linked to Terminals 2 and 3, provides short-stay options. The domestic long-term Blu Emu car park can be accessed via Ross Smith Avenue from General Holmes Drive or Sir Reginald Ansett Drive; regular courtesy shuttles connect this car park to the terminals. There is a designated pick-up area offering 10 minutes free parking at Terminal 2, while pre-bookable bays are avialable for those seeking to leave their vehicle to pick up or drop off passengers.

Information and help desks

The Tourism NSW information desk is located on arrivals level 1 in Terminal 1. The desk is open from 0600 to 2300 and provides information and help with accommodation, tours and attractions in Sydney. Gold Ambassadors can provide airport information; these volunteers are stationed at help desks in the arrivals and departures areas of Terminal 1 and in the arrivals area of Terminal 2.

Airport Facilities

Money: Full banking services are available from ANZ Bank in Terminal 1. Currency exchange facilities are located in Terminals 1 and 2. ATMs are located in all terminals.Communications: Postal and photocopying facilities can be found at Australia Post Office, located in the pre-security departures area of Terminal 1. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available in Terminals 1 and 2 – internet kiosks are also located both pre- and post-security at these terminals. Mobile telephone hire is available from Optus and Vodafone in the arrivals area of Terminal 1; an additional Vodafone outlet is located in Terminal 2.Food: There are many restaurants, cafés and bars at Sydney Airport offering a wide variety of international and Australian cuisine. Places to eat and drink include sushi specialists, Chinese eateries, Italian restaurants and licensed bars.Shopping: There are more than 150 shops at Sydney Airport, ranging from souvenir retailers and designer outlets to wine merchants and speciality stores. Duty-free shopping is available in Terminal 1.Luggage: Smartecarte operates luggage storage services in Terminals 1 and 2. Enquiries about lost items should be made to Sydney Airport Corporation Lost Property in Terminal 1 (tel: (02) 9667 9111) or Terminals 2 and 3 (tel: (02) 9352 7450). Baggage trolleys are available throughout the airport.Other facilities: There is a medical centre on the third floor of Terminal 1 and pharmacies in the public and departure areas of the same terminal – an additional pharmacy can be found pre-security in Terminal 2. Free showers, a prayer room and a child activity centre are also located in Terminal 1. Children’s toilets are installed in all female toilets and baby-changing rooms are conveniently located throughout the terminals.

Conference and business facilities

Qantas (tel: (02) 9952 9608; www.qantas.com.au) hires out a number of meeting rooms in Terminal 3, while Virgin (tel: (02) 9352 7667; www.virginaustralia.com) offers similar services in its lounge in Terminal 2. The Kingsford Smith Suite in Terminal 1 (tel: (02) 8889 3760) has space for up to 200 delegates. Overhead projectors, screens, flipcharts and whiteboards come as standard, while AV equipment and sound systems are available on request. Several nearby hotels also offer conference and meeting facilities.There are seven airline lounges in Terminal 1 and one in Terminal 2, and there are also two VIP lounges in Terminal 1.

Disabled facilities

Facilities for disabled passengers include ramps, adapted drinking fountains, showers and dedicated toilets. Lowered telephones, text telephones and telephones fitted with induction loops are also available. Wheelchairs are available from the Tourism NSW desk. Passengers with special requirements should advise their airline at least 72 hours before departure. Disabled parking spaces are located at the front of Terminal 1 for valid badge holders.

Airport hotels

There are two hotels at Sydney Airport, with several others within a 3km (2-mile) radius. It should be noted that while many hotels provide shuttle services to and from the terminals, a fee is often charged. Our Sydney Airport guide offers the following accommodation options:

Holiday Inn Sydney AirportThe Holiday Inn Sydney Airport is a good mid-range option for those seeking easy access to the airport with its shuttle bus service to/from the terminals and 'Park, Stay and Go' parking facility. Among the hotel's on-site facilities are a 24-hour business centre, fitness room, restaurant and bar.Mascot, Corner of Bourke Street and O'Riordan StreetNew South Wales 2020, AustraliaTel: (02) 9330 0600.Web: www.ihg.com

Ibis Hotel Sydney AirportIbis Hotel Sydney Airport is located just 3km (2 miles) from Sydney Airport's international terminal, and is a short walk from the domestic terminals. The hotel runs a shuttle bus service to each terminal (for a small fee). Other facilities include a restaurant and high-speed internet access.Mascot, 205 O'Riordan StreetNew South Wales 2020, AustraliaTel: (02) 8339 8500.Web: www.ibishotel.com

Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport HotelBoasting a rooftop swimming pool, sauna and gym facilities, Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport Hotel is located a short drive from Terminal 1, and is very close to Terminals 2 and 3. Business guests can make use of 11 function rooms, while on-site parking is also available.Mascot, Corner of O'Riordan & Robey StreetsNew South Wales 2020, AustraliaTel: (02) 9317 2200.Web: www.stamford.com.au

Novotel Sydney Brighton BeachThis imposing resort is around five minutes by road from Sydney Airport and, as its name suggests, has a beachside location. As well as an outdoor pool, spa and fitness centre, there are a range of meeting rooms and dining options.Brighton-le-Sands, Corner of Grand Parade and Princess StreetNew South Wales 2216, AustraliaTel: (02) 9556 5111.Web: www.novotel.com

Airport Hotel SydneyOne of the more economical options near Sydney Airport, this 3-star property offers a shuttle service to the airport (for a small fee), while bus 400 can transport passengers from the terminals to the hotel. A restaurant serving Italian fare is available on-site.Arncliffe, 185 Princes Highway, Corner of Forest RoadNew South Wales 2205, AustraliaTel: (02) 9567 8910.Web: www.airporthotelsydney.com.au

Formule 1 Sydney Airport HotelA comfortable budget option within the airport grounds, the Formule 1 is a short walk from the domestic terminal, while a shuttle can transport guests to Terminals 2 and 3 for a fee. Paid-for on-site parking is available for use by guests, as is the Wi-Fi service.Mascot, 5 Ross Smith AvenueNew South Wales 2020, AustraliaTel: (02) 8339 1840. Web: www.accorhotels.com

Rydges Sydney Airport HotelThe only hotel within a terminal at Sydney Airport, the Rydges is in the perfect position for access to the international terminal's facilities and services. But it has attractions of its own, such as a grill restaurant, meeting space and a sports bar.Sydney International Airport, 8 Arrivals CourtNew South Wales, AustraliaTel: (02) 9313 2500.Web: www.rydges.com